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Graduate Student Handbook, 2007-2008

Table of Contents

Dean’s Welcome

Introduction to Handbook

About the College

Graduate Program Directors

Graduate Program Contacts

Faculty with Graduate Status and Their Research Interests/Areas of Expertise

College of Nursing Committees and Organizations 

University and College of Nursing Health Care Policies and Protocols

Blood Borne Pathogens, Policies and Forms
Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check
Health Fee and Activities Fee Info
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Health Sciences Students Professional Behavior Code
Identification Badges
Immunization Requirements
Licensure
Technical Standards

Scholarships, Loans, Service Awards and Tuition

            Advanced Nurse Education Traineeships

College of Nursing Graduate Scholarships

Emergency Funds

External Awards and Scholarships
Financial Assistance for M.S.N., Post-M.S.N. , Ph.D. and D.N.P. Students
Graduate School Fellowships
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Tuition

Computer Resources

Other Resources

Campus Safety
Discrimination and Harassment
Graduate School Bulletin
Library Resources
Lost and Found
Mailboxes
Other UK Departments and Resources 

Academics

Academic and Scientific Honor and Integrity
Academic Probation
Appeals of Academic Actions
Clinical Practica
Commencement Eligibility
Course Registration
Degree Application
Faculty Advisors and Clinical Mentors
Grading System
Guidelines for Scholarly Work
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval and Forms
Progression (M.S.N., Post-M.S.N. and D.N.P.)
Readmission
Repeat Option
Special Exams
Teacher/Course Evaluations
Transfer of Credits
Visiting Students Policy
Withdrawal

Program Information

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

Conceptual Model for the M.S.N.
Goals and Objectives
Changing Specialty Track
Evidence-Based Practice Project Requirement
Comprehensive Examination
Certification
Master’s Degree Time Limit
Transition to the Ph.D. Program
Clinical Scholars Program (Post-Master’s)
R.N.-M.S.N. Option

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (D.N.P.)

Goals
Program of Study
Final Capstone Project

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)

Basic Program of Study
Required Research Experience
Advisory Committee
Annual Student Evaluation
Dissertation
Manuscript Option Dissertation
Enrollment

Prequalifying Time Limit, Qualifying Examinations and Post-Qualifying Residency Credit
Final Examination

 

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Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. I hope you will have an exceptional learning experience in the College, as well as within the larger University. As evidenced in the College's mission statement, the nursing faculty is deeply committed to "preparing nurse leaders to practice in an ever-changing health care environment."  I am confident that you will further develop your leadership knowledge and skills as you complete your master's or doctoral degree at UK.  

The College's faculty is making substantive contributions to the knowledge base of nursing through active programs of research and clinical practice. The decision to complete your graduate degree within an academic health center affords you unique opportunities related to research and evidence-based practice. I strongly recommend that you take full advantage of these opportunities since they will actively support your work as the next generation of advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, nurse scholars and faculty.  

Finally, the College's faculty and staff are committed to "engaging in collaborative and cooperative relationships for the purpose of modeling excellence in nursing education, research, service and practice." Faculty, staff and administrators will actively work with you to facilitate your success at the University. The nursing profession will offer many opportunities throughout your career – without a doubt, obtaining advanced nursing education will broaden your opportunities.   

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to let me know. I can be reached via e-mail at janek@email.uky.edu, phone at (859) 323-4857, or for an opportunity to talk in person, please contact Lisa Galvin at (859) 323-6533. 

Jane Marie Kirschling, R.N., D.N.S.
Dean and Professor of Nursing    

Introduction to Handbook

The handbook contains information about the College of Nursing, its mission, and its organization. The policies and procedures governing your progress in the program, and the resources available to you for accomplishing the program objectives and your personal career goals, are described. Please review the handbook carefully. If you have questions, contact your program director. If you are entering a graduate program at the College of Nursing during the 2007-2008 academic year, you will follow the policies in the 2007-2008 handbook throughout the entire length of your program.

The College offers three graduate degrees - Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.). Students in the M.S.N. Program are admitted with a B.S.N. or with an A.D.N. or diploma in nursing through the R.N.-M.S.N. Option. The College also has a certificate program for post-master's students known as the Post-Master's Clinical Scholars Option. The M.S.N. and Ph.D. programs are in nursing but under the authority of the University of Kentucky Graduate School.

The dean of the Graduate School is Jeannine Blackwell and Brian Jackson is senior associate dean. Patricia Howard, M.S.N. and D.N.P. program director and Terry Lennie, Ph.D. program director, are your liaisons to the Graduate School for their respective programs.  

About the College

• Vision and Mission www.mc.uky.edu/Nursing/intro/mission.htm
• Organizational Structure www.mc.uky.edu/Nursing/intro/CON_org0207.pdf 
• Strategic Plan www.mc.uky.edu/nursing/StrategicPlan2007-10B.pdf
• Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice

College of Nursing faculty and students uphold the profession's standards of clinical practice, based on the American Nurses' Association Social Policy Statement Second Edition (2003). The Standards of Advanced Practice Nursing (2004) provide the baseline for graduate-level clinical practice. The relevant specialty standards provide baseline expectations for practice in each specialty area.

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Graduate Program directors

We welcome you to the College of Nursing and wish you a successful journey throughout your graduate studies. Although your faculty advisor will be your first point of contact in the graduate program, either of us is happy to help you in any way we can. 

Patricia B. Howard, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.A.A., B.C.
Associate Professor
Director of the M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs
202 College of Nursing Bldg.
(859) 323-6332
pbhowa00@email.uky.edu     

Terry A. Lennie, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.H.A.                
Associate Professor
Director of the Ph.D. Program
529 College of Nursing Bldg.
(859) 323-6631  
talenn2@email.uky.edu                                        

Graduate Program Contacts

College of Nursing Office of Student Services
309 College of Nursing Bldg.
(859) 323-5108 
(859) 323-1057 (fax)  
conss@uky.edu   

Jane M. Kirschling, R.N., D.N.S.
Dean and Professor        
(859) 323-6533 
 janek@email.uky.edu 

Lynne A. Hall, R.N., Dr.P.H.
Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship
and Marcia A. Dake Professor of Nursing Science
(859) 323-6105
(859) 323-8076
 lahall@uky.edu     

Kathy Collins
Student Services Officer - Graduate Studies
(859) 323-5624                                                                           
kacoll1@email.uky.edu     

Kim Thomas
Student Services Director
(859) 323-5109  
klthomh@email.uky.edu  

Karen K. Minton
Business Officer 
(859) 323-6534
kminton@email.uky.edu                                                                      

Faculty with Graduate Status and Their Research Interests/Areas of Expertise

* Full graduate faculty status           ** Associate graduate faculty status

 * Debra Anderson, associate professor; Ph.D., Oregon Health Sciences University, 1993. Homelessness in women and families, foster children, domestic violence, and workplace violence and injury.

* Dorothy Y. Brockopp, professor; Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1981. Quality of life among individuals with chronic illness.  

* Emma J. Brown, professor; University of Florida in Gainesville, 1993. Substance abuse, HIV risk, and interventions to reduce risk and drug use in African-American women. 

* Patricia Burkhart, associate professor and director of the undergraduate program; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 1996. Pediatric asthma; child asthma self-management; adherence to treatment; peak flow monitoring for asthma management; health-related quality of life for children and adolescents with asthma; and health outcomes related to pediatric asthma treatment interventions. 

** Mary C. DeLetter, assistant professor; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1991. Quality of life, chronic disease, and chronic airflow limitation.

* Susan Frazier, associate professor; Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 1996. Heart-lung interactions, consequences of mechanical ventilation, weaning from mechanical ventilation, hemodynamics, critical care nursing practice.

** Teresa A. Free, associate professor; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 1988. Effects of maternal substance abuse on infants and children.

* Ellen J. Hahn, professor; D.N.S., Indiana University, 1992. School and home-based health promotion research; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention with families and young children; tobacco policy research.  

* Lynne A. Hall, Marcia A. Dake Professor of Nursing Science and associate dean for research and scholarship; Dr.P.H., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1983. Social support, stress, and depression in vulnerable populations; single-parent families; the effect of mothers' mental health on child outcomes, women’s health. 

** Jennifer Hatcher, associate professor, R.N. Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 2006.  Predictors of depression for low-income African-American single mothers.    

**Margaret J. Hickman, associate professor; Ed.D., Ball State University, 1982. Long-term home health care for adults in rural areas, community strategies for health promotion.  

* Patricia B. Howard, associate professor and director of the M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1992. Family caregiving, persistent mental illness, advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing.  

* Jane M. Kirschling, professor and dean; D.N.S., Indiana University, 1984. Nursing workforce, family caregiving for persons with terminal illness, grief. 

* Terry A. Lennie, associate professor and director of the Ph.D. Program; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1993. Appetite, nutrition and inflammation in patients with advanced heart failure. 

* Sharon E. Lock, associate professor; Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1990. Communications about sexual risk behavior among adolescents; prevention of sexual risk behavior; prevention of teen pregnancy.  

* Debra K. Moser, professor and Linda C. Gill Chair in Nursing; D.N.Sc., University of California at Los Angeles, 1992. Improving outcomes in patients with cardiac disease with an emphasis on heart failure. Psychosocial, behavioral and physiologic interactions in heart failure patients. 

* Ann R. Peden, professor; D.S.N., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1991. Depression in women, women's mental health.

* Mary Kay Rayens, associate professor; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1993. Tobacco policy; women’s mental health; biostatistics. 

* Deborah B. Reed, associate professor; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1996. Agricultural health and injury prevention, occupational health issues of women, health care issues of older adults. 

** Leslie K. Scott, assistant professor, Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 2004. Overweight and insulin resistance in children and risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

* Marcia K. Stanhope, Good Samaritan Professor and Chair in Community Health Nursing; D.S.N., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1981. Nursing care for the homeless, resource use in home care, academic nurse-managed centers.  

* Ruth “Topsy” Staten, associate professor; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1996. Alcohol and tobacco use prevention in college students. 

* Sherry Warden, associate professor; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1990. Psychosocial issues in the management of pain, spirituality, healing and alternative/complementary medicine.  

* Carolyn A. Williams, professor; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1969. Evaluation of community-based health services, nursing contributions to primary care, and public health nursing practice.

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College of Nursing Committees and Organizations

College of Nursing Alumni Association (CONAA)

All graduates of the UK College of Nursing are eligible for membership and are encouraged to participate in the College's Alumni Association. It is the best way to maintain contact and help your alma mater.

The CONAA exists to promote the best interests and welfare of the College.  It also works to inform the membership with the progress and needs of the College, and helps represent the University and the College to the people of Kentucky and the nation. The alumni association encourages loyalty and closer bonds of fellowship among its alumni.

There are four alumni awards given to students at graduation annually. The Nightingale Award is given to an outstanding undergraduate, the President's Award goes to a graduate of the master's program, the Sebastian/Stanhope Award is presented to a D.N.P. graduate, and the Carolyn Williams Award goes to a graduate of the Ph.D. Program.

Many alumni have been generous to the College of Nursing and its students by establishing scholarships that help defray the cost of tuition.  

Delta Psi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing

Debra S. Hall, Ph.D., R.N., C.C.R.N. is the new president of the Delta Psi Chapter, 2007-2008. This year has started on an exciting note with several changes in leadership positions. Lee Ann Walmsley is the new vice-president and Fontaine Sands is the new treasurer, while Linda Watts will continue as secretary. From its beginnings in 1922, Sigma Theta Tau has served to advance knowledge, promote learning, and foster service through nursing scholarship and leadership. The society has furthered these goals through academic excellence and social and ethical commitment to addressing public, health care, and nursing issues influencing the health and health care of people in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, the society has provided a forum for nurses and others to share knowledge, discuss health care and attendant concerns, and evaluate changes in health care and health policies. For 28 years, UK’s Delta Psi Chapter has maintained a proud tradition of advancing the goals of Sigma Theta Tau. Hall’s goals are to (1) increase communication with members, and (2) strengthen ties among the academic, clinical, and community sectors and their members. She encourages participation from all  members and to make herself as available as possible. Hall can be reached at  dshall1@email.uky.edu or (859) 257-4041.

Graduate Student Activities and Advisory Committee 

According to rules of the University Senate, the faculty of each College within the University and the faculty of the Graduate School must establish some form of student advisory council to represent student opinion on academic matters. The Graduate Student Activities and Advisory Committee (GSAAC) conforms to the rules of the University Senate. 

Functions of the committee include: 

• Fostering communication between faculty and students
• Planing and implementing programs of interest to the graduate students and nursing profession
• Reviewing and making recommendations to the dean regarding
  • Student conduct in terms of professional nursing ethics and related University and Medical Center documents
  • Evaluation procedures for courses and teaching
• Advising the dean regarding proposed appointment and promotion of faculty members in accordance with University Administrative Regulations (AR II‑1.0‑1)
• Evaluating College programs that relate to students and makes recommendations to the dean
• Identifying resources and supporting systems which will facilitate successful completion of the program
• Identifying student problems and concerns and recommending appropriate actions to the dean
• Evaluating activities of the graduate student body annually and making recommendations to the dean

Membership includes:  

• Six students, elected by the graduate student body (three master's, two doctoral from campus, and one master's from an outreach site)
• One graduate faculty member, elected by the graduate student body
• Student services officer
• Ph.D. program director and the M.S.N./D.N.P. program director, ex-officio
• Chair, elected from among student members

Master's Program Committee

Functions include:

• Evaluating course offerings relative to program objectives
• Developing and recommending curricular changes to the faculty
• Implementing the evaluation responsibilities listed in the College of Nursing Evaluation Plan that pertain to the Master's Program Committee
• Evaluating the usefulness of the College of Nursing Evaluation Plan in relation to the master's program  and  recommending revisions in the plan as needed
• Recommending entrance requirements to the faculty
• Reviewing procedures for admission and progression of students in the graduate program and recommending changes when appropriate
• Reviewing suggestions for curricular changes proposed by any faculty member or student
• Reviewing petitions and faculty recommendations in regard to admission and progression of M.S.N. and certificate students and making appropriate recommendations
• Reviewing those M.S.N. and certificate students with unsatisfactory academic performance and recommending action 
• Based on established criteria, screening students for awards
• Seeking input from the appropriate program director and designated faculty regarding student petitions
• Making recommendations for vote to the graduate faculty and reporting to the total faculty based on program evaluation

Membership includes:

• Five elected faculty members
  • At least one representative with full membership in the Graduate School
  • At least two representatives with full or associate membership in the Graduate School
  • One member may be elected from faculty teaching in the undergraduate or graduate program.
• One student from the master's program
• Chair, elected from the committee membership
• M.S.N./D.N.P. program director, ex officio

Ph.D. Program Committee 

Functions include:

• Evaluating program policies and procedures for compliance with Graduate School policies
• Evaluating program policies and procedures as they facilitate meeting program objectives and recommends revisions as necessary
• Implementing the evaluation responsibilities listed in the College of Nursing Evaluation Plan that pertain to the Ph.D. Program Committee
• Making recommendations to faculty based on program evaluation
• Evaluating the usefulness of the College of Nursing Evaluation Plan in relation to the Ph.D. Program and recommending revisions in the plan as needed
• Reviewing admission requirements and recommending changes to the graduate faculty
• Making recommendations for vote to the graduate faculty and reporting them to the total faculty

Membership includes:

• Four faculty members elected from the faculty, at least three with full graduate school status, and one with associate graduate school status or higher. All faculty must be teaching in the doctoral program. Teaching in the doctoral program is defined as teaching a doctoral-level course or serving on a dissertation advisory committee.
• One doctoral student, elected by the members of the doctoral student body in nursing
• Dean of the College, ex officio
• Ph.D. program director, ex officio

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University and College of Nursing Health Care Policies and Protocols 

You are expected to read and adhere to the Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Behavioral Standards in Patient Care and the Health Sciences Student Professional Behavior Code for the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Medical Center, as well as other such documents and policies in agencies where clinical and research experiences are obtained. 

You will sign a form noting familiarity with the Behavioral Standards in Patient Care and Health Sciences Student Professional Behavior Code at the beginning of your program. 

Blood Borne Pathogens Policy and Forms    
www.uky.edu/Provost/documents/BBPfinal0704.doc

www.uky.edu/Provost/documents/OccOccForm.pdf

www.uky.edu/Provost/documents/RepOccForm.pdf

Kentucky Pharmacy Locations and AHEC Site Coordinators:
www.uky.edu/Provost/APFA/HCC_Documents/Pharmacy%20Locations%20%20AHEC%20Site%20Coordinators_May%202007.pdf

Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check

Drug tests (urine screens) and criminal background checks are becoming standard requirements for employment, especially at health care facilities. Such requirements are also often in place for students who rotate through health facilities as part of required educational experiences. Students can expect and should be prepared for them. 

Be aware that if a drug test and/or a criminal background check is required for enrollment and or participation in any course or for the granting of any permit or license required for participation in a course, the expense for the test and/or check must be paid by the student. Drug tests may cost $40-$75 and background checks may cost an additional $10-$75. The particular types of tests and checks required, as well as the costs for them, are subject to change and beyond the control of the University or the College of Nursing.

If a student fails to pass a drug test and/or a criminal background check, he/she may be ineligible for enrollment in clinical courses, ineligible for graduation and therefore ineligible to continue in the College of Nursing.

The College of Nursing does not accept responsibility for any student being ineligible for coursework, continued enrollment in the College, or subsequent licensure as a nurse for any reason, including failure to pass a drug test or criminal background check.

Students who provide any false information regarding drug use or criminal offenses in any documents relating to their attendance at the UK College of Nursing are subject to immediate dismissal from the College. Failure to disclose correct information at any time also may be the basis for professional discipline and/or denial of licensure.

Health Fee and Activity Fees Information 

Full-time students taking classes on the Lexington campus are required to pay health and activity fees each semester. However, part-time students and students registered in NUR 748, 749, or 769 for 0 credit hours may opt to voluntarily pay these fees. 

Part-time students and students registered in NUR 748, 749, 767, or 769 for 0 credit hours may opt to pay only the health fee or the health fee and Seaton Center fee. Paying the Seaton Center fee without the health fee is not an option and paying a portion of the Seaton Center fee is not an option. Paying these fees entitles students to use University resources and receive medical treatment by the University Student Health Services. 

For fees information, contact Student Billing Services at (859) 257-3406, 18 Funkhouser Building, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fees must be paid by the first day of classes in the fall and spring semesters. 

The health fee may be voluntarily paid for health care during the summer. In order to be eligible for services in the summer, the fee must be paid by the first day of classes for students enrolled in the four-week intersession or the eight-week summer session. Students pay in Student Billing Services, 18 Funkhouser Bldg. Continuing students enrolled in the spring and priority registered for the fall must go to University Health Service, B163 Kentucky Clinic, to have their eligibility to purchase the fee verified, then go to Student Billing Services to pay the fee. The student’s ID number, "summer," and "health fee" or "health and activity fees" should be written on the check. 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 

The federal government has enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which has many purposes and provisions. Those that affect all health care providers most directly relate to ensuring the privacy and security of protected health information. Federal law requires that all health care employees and health professions students receive training about HIPAA. Training is mandatory and must be completed before you are allowed to participate in clinical practica or data collection. Training is to be completed online using Blackboard.

Questions or issues regarding the University's response to HIPAA: www.mc.uky.edu/compliance/hipaa/hipaa.htm 

Notify the Office of Student Services, (859) 323-5108, if you have not completed this training within the first eight weeks of your first enrollment in the College of Nursing. 

Health Sciences Student Professional Behavior Code
www.uky.edu/Regulations/AR/ar083.pdf  

Identification Badges

All students using Medical Center facilities for any purpose are issued an identification badge. If you lose or misplace the badge, you will be required to replace it at your expense. Without this badge, you will be unable to use Medical Center facilities. Graduating students will not receive final grades or transcripts until return of the ID badge to the Office of Student Services on the final day of classes. The Office of Student Services will assist with the badge process. 

Immunization Requirements

Licensure

Registered nurse licensure without limitations in the state in which your clinicals will take place is prerequisite to a clinical practicum or research. This means you will need a Kentucky R.N. license and a license for any out-of-state clinicals. This process can take up to a year for students educated outside of the United States. If you have not already initiated the process (which includes completing the CGFNS visa screen certificate as required by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and the NCLEX exam) it is imperative to begin immediately. Please speak with your faculty advisor if you are in this situation. You must provide the Office of Student Services with a copy of your license during the semester prior to any clinical work. 

 

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Scholarship, Loans and Service Awards 

Advanced Nurse Education Traineeships

Advanced Nurse Education Traineeships are awarded to selected students. These awards usually cover tuition and on rare occasions may include stipends. Traineeships are awarded for nine-month blocks, so most are awarded in the fall for the full academic year. Students enrolled or with applications completed by March 1 or November 1 are considered for traineeships. A College of Nursing Application for Scholarship/Service Awards must be on file. The Graduate Ad Hoc Scholarship Committee recommends these awards based on consideration of the student's GPA and GRE scores. Traineeships require good academic standing. In order to be eligible, students must be citizens of the United States or hold Green Cards showing they are permanent residents of the U.S., and enrolled full time. Part-time students are eligible for funds only during their last year. A limited number of Advanced Nurse Education Traineeships from the Division of Nursing, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Public Health Service (PHS), are available to graduate students through the College. The traineeship usually pays tuition while the student is enrolled full time in a graduate program in the College.

College of Nursing Graduate Scholarships

Betsy M. Holliday and Eunice S. Milton Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in 1992 as a special scholarship for a registered nurse returning to school for additional education. Each recipient is a native Kentuckian or the child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was serving on active duty at the time of the recipient’s birth. Preference will be given to students who are interested in the treatment of cancer patients. The scholarship is provided by Lt. Col. David. C. Holliday, ret., in memory of his wife and her mother. 

Dorothy Luther Nursing Fellowship

Established in 2003 with a gift from the estate of Dorothy Luther, a former faculty member of the College of Nursing, this fund is awarded to a graduate student in the adult nursing program.

La Sertoma Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Professor Marcia Stanhope in 2004 and named the La Sertoma Scholarship to honor a group of women who provided a scholarship that benefited her when she was a student. The student must have an outstanding academic record and show potential for leadership.

• First preference for this scholarship is a student enrolled in the D.N.P. program.
• Second preference is for a student enrolled in graduate public health nursing.
• Third preference is a student in the Undergraduate Nurse Scholars Program.
• Fourth is for an undergraduate student with an interest in public health nursing.

Melva Jo Hendrix Fund for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

This fund, established in 1993 by Jenny D. Dorris, a 1971 graduate of the College, is awarded to graduate students who are seeking an advanced degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing.  

Pamela Stinson Kidd Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2003 in memory of Pamela Stinson Kidd, a UK College of Nursing graduate and former faculty member. The scholarship is awarded to a College of Nursing student who shows potential for leadership in injury prevention, emergency, primary, acute or critical care nursing. Preference is given to the applicant who demonstrates the ability to integrate clinical and community practice, scholarly activity and leadership. Essay required. 

Emergency Funds

The College of Nursing Alumni Association administers a student emergency loan fund. In 1982, this fund was renamed the Claudine Gartner Loan Fund in memory of Claudine Gartner who was a long-time College of Nursing faculty member. This fund assists students in emergency financial situations when other sources of financial assistance are not available. In order to maintain the fund the recipient is expected to sign a note of repayment. The College’s Graduate Ad Hoc Scholarship Committee makes recommendations for these loans.

External Awards/Scholarships

University of Kentucky Graduate School Scholarships and Fellowships
(859) 257-4613, 101 Gillis Bldg. http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/  
These scholarships are  for M.S.N., Post-M.S.N., and Ph.D. students only.  

Financial Assistance for M.S.N., Post M.S.N., Ph.D., and D.N.P. Students

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

The College of Nursing applies each year for loan funds from the Nurse Faculty Loan Program of the Division of Nursing, Department of Health and Human Services. This loan fund is intended to bolster the number of nurses prepared as nurse faculty for schools of nursing. Students must be enrolled full time and take three additional courses (6 credit hours total) to prepare you for a faculty role (GS 610, GS 650, and GS 699). Up to 85 percent of the loan may be forgiven in return for service as a faculty member in a school of nursing.  

Teaching and Research Assistantships

The College of Nursing offers a limited number of graduate student assistantships for guided research and teaching experiences. Stipends range from $4,000 to $10,000 per academic year. Ten-to-20 hours of service per week are required. Holders of assistantships may be eligible for full- or partial-tuition scholarships from the Graduate School. Post-masters Clinical Scholar students are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships. More information: www.research.uky.edu/gs/fellowship/tarainfo.html  

Graduate School Fellowships

The Graduate School provides a number of fellowships to highly qualified graduate students. Preference in these awards is given to full-time students pursuing doctoral degrees. Included in these awards are:

• Academic year fellowships to support a year of study
• Lyman T. Johnson Teaching or Research Fellowships to support African-American students
• Presidential Fellowships
• Open Competition Fellowships
• Quality Achievement Supplemental Awards to provide additional funds for other financial awards
• Dissertation Year Fellowships
• Jeffrey Fellowship for tobacco-related research

All applications must obtain a recommendation or nomination from the appropriate academic program director. Information is found on the Graduate School's Web site at www.research.uky.edu/gs/fellowship/fellowassist.html . In addition to fellowships, the Graduate School also awards out-of-state and in-state tuition scholarships to graduate student teaching and research assistants. 

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources offers scholarship opportunities to applicants who are applying to or enrolled in nurse practitioner programs. These scholarships pay in- or out-of-state tuition, required fees, reasonable educational expenses, and a significant monthly stipend. This is a service-obligated scholarship (one year of obligated service for each year of scholarship funding). Information about applying for this scholarship is available at http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/join_us/students.asp . This scholarship is for M.S.N., Post M.S.N., and Ph.D. students only.            

A number of organizations provide competitive research grants and scholarships, for example:

• Kentucky Board of Nursing awards Nursing Incentive Scholarships to Kentucky nurses pursuing ongoing education. These awards are competitive.
• National Institutes of Health and National Research Service makes awards to pre-doctoral (Ph.D.) and post-doctoral students. These scholarships are for M.S.N., Post M.S.N., and Ph.D. students only.               
• The Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Sigma Theta Tau International and the American Nurses Foundation have annual competitions for research grants and scholarships.
• Many specialty organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and others provide such awards.
• Ph.D. students are assisted in applying for National Research Service Awards from the National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, www.ninr.nih.gov/  This award is for Ph.D. students only.    

Additional Financial Aid Information

To compete successfully for any of these awards you need to work closely with your advisor.For assistance with applying for College of Nursing teaching and research assistantships, contact the graduate student services officer, University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, 309 College of Nursing Bldg., University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0232, or call (859) 323-5624. The staff can also offer information about other sources of financial aid available from outside the University.  

For information on grants and loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid, 128 Funkhouser Bldg., University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, or call (859) 257-3172.  www.uky.edu/FinancialAid/

Application forms for Graduate School fellowships and assistantships, as well as general information, may be obtained by writing: The Graduate School, 101 Gillis Bldg., Lexington, KY 40506-0033. Much of the information and forms you will need are on the Graduate School's Web site at www.research.uky.edu/gs/

Tuition

Current tuition fees are on the Registrar's Web site at www.uky.edu/Registrar/feesgen.htm Tuition fees are subject to change without notice. All tuition rates include a mandatory registration fee. For fee payment purposes, nine credit hours or the equivalent constitutes a full load for graduate students during the fall or spring semesters. Courses taken on an audit basis do not count toward credit hours, but are assessed full tuition.  

 

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Computer and E-mail Resources 

Computing account access  http://www.uky.edu/IT/CustomerService/Accounts/  

Computer Labs   http://www.uky.edu/SCS/     

Computer Center  http://www.uky.edu/ComputingCenter/  

E-mail access

E-mail is the primary mode of communication between you and the faculty. Faculty use the UK e-mail address that is provided to you at the beginning of your program. It is imperative that you check your e-mail at least once a week for important announcements, scholarship notices, and special events.

Beginning on Mon. July 9, 2007, UK Information Technology (UKIT) started the process of migrating student e-mail from U-Connect to Microsoft Exchange 2007, the University’s new campus mail system. U-Connect mail services will be discontinued for each student once their Exchange 2007 account is established and their old mail has been moved.

• The process for moving you from U-Connect to Exchange 2007 is a multi-step process. First, your account is created; second, your mail is moved. Therefore, your new Exchange 2007 account might be empty when you first log into it until the second part of the move is complete, which could take up to 24 hours.

• Continue to go to http://uconnect.uky.edu to login to your mail. The site will redirect you to the Outlook Web Access (OWA) login screen if you have been migrated to Exchange 2007.

• After July 9, 2007, once your account has been moved to Exchange 2007, you will need to go to the Account Manager at https://ukam.uky.edu/manager/ and create new password self-reset questions and answers.
• Instead of a web browser to check your mail, please check out the FAQs at www.uky.edu/email/exchange2007/ for documentation on configuration settings.
• If you currently forward your mail to another mail system, that will not change.
• To ease transition to the new system with how-to tips and FAQs, visit www.uky.edu/email/exchange2007/.

Graduate Student Computer Resources and Recommendations 

Graduate-level coursework will include material on the Web that you must be able to access. It is important to have a basic understanding of how to use the Internet. If you are not comfortable using the Web, the Medical Center Library offers classes. These classes are Introduction to the World Wide Web, and Evaluating Web Sites. To register or obtain information about these classes visit the Medical Center Library Web site, call Stephanie Allen at (859)323-6567, Mary Vaughn at (859)323-8285, or e-mail medref@pop.uky.edu.  

Through a partnership with Dell, the University can recommend pre-configured systems through the eBuy Web site, www.uky.edu/ebuy/, which will meet or exceed our minimum recommendations. 

Graduate Student Lounge and Computer Lab

The Graduate student lounge is in room 501 and is for use as a study and student meeting area. Also in this area is a small computer room for use by College of Nursing graduate students only. The computer software on these machines includes Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher), SAS for the PC, SPSS for the PC, NVivo (for qualitative data analysis), and EndNote. Please use a disk, writeable CD, USB Flash drive or other portable storage media for your data when using the lab PCs. The computers do not save any data. 

Brenda Ghaelian is the College's information technology manager. Her office is within the graduate student computer lab. She assists faculty with the use of information technologies in the teaching environment and provides training and user support for faculty. Debi Mincks is responsible for the College's hardware, network, and software applications, and maintains the hardware and software in the computer room. Problems with hardware or software on these computers should be called to her attention at ddhowa0@email.uky.edu  

On-site consultants can assist you in any student computing lab. If you need further information, please contact the Information Technology Customer Service Center at 257-1300 or e-mail helpdesk@uky.edu. If you need further assistance, visit the eBuy site or call the Information Technology Customer Service Center at (859) 257-1300.  

UKIT:   http://www.uky.edu/UKIT/ 

 

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Other resources 

Campus Safety 

The following information is provided by the University of Kentucky Police Department. 

"Crime prevention is defined as the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it. The University of Kentucky Police Department has developed crime prevention programs, established security standards and implemented physical security techniques in an effort to create a safer environment for those who live, study and work on the University of Kentucky campus. 

"As a community, we encourage opportunistic crime by our lackadaisical attitudes. The focus of the Crime Prevention Office is to create a partnership between the University community and the police. Our goal is to create a heightened sense of awareness in each individual so that they may assume a greater level of responsibility for their own safety. 

"To ensure your safety and the safety of others at the University of Kentucky, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the crime prevention information on the police department's Web site, www.uky.edu/Police/.  The site addresses:

• Coping with threats and violence (safety escort service, emergency telephones, safe walking routes)
• Crime prevention information
• Educational programs
• Citizen’s preparedness guide
• Emergency services (how to report an emergency, such as a fire, fire alarm, bomb threat, tornado, earthquake, etc.).

 

"Don't walk alone on campus at night. SAFECATS is UK’s free escort and safe transportation service. Call 323-FREE or 323-3733 between 8:30 p.m. -1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

 

"Cat's Path is a series of recommended popular walking routes that span central campus. The routes were specifically chosen due to their frequent use and accessibility to major campus destinations. Marked with highly visible signage and paw print ground logos, the Cat's Path is patrolled frequently by University Police, both on foot and in special police golf carts. Everyone on campus is encouraged to use these routes, particularly during hours of limited visibility. The paths are not designed to replace current personal safety efforts, such as traveling in groups and remaining alert; however, the increased police presence and path improvements provide one more tool in your personal safety arsenal." 

University of Kentucky Police Department
Emergencies: 911
(859) 257-1616
Free call from your cell phone - #UKPD (#8573) 

Discrimination and Harassment 

University Governing Regulations prohibit all discrimination on the basis of sex, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, color, creed, religion, age, or political belief. Sexual harassment is an explicit violation of administrative regulations and should be reported.  

University Administrative Regulation (ARII-1.1-9-149) www.uky.edu/Regs/AR/ar041.pdf  

Code of Student Conduct (Article II, Section 2.29) www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part1.html  

Preventing Sexual Harassment http://training.newmedialearning.com/psh/ukentucky/index.htm

Graduate School Bulletin

http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/bulletin/bullinfo.shtml  

Library Resources

The library's computerized card catalog is INFOKAT. All holdings acquired since January 1985 have been entered into this system. The computer is connected to all UK libraries so that you can inquire if any library on campus owns the book or journal for which you are looking. Ask the librarian if you need assistance. A class in the use of INFOKAT is also available.

Students in Hazard and Morehead may use the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) libraries at those sites. These libraries conduct tours at the beginning of each semester. Check with the reference department for the tour schedule.

The UK library system consists of several decentralized libraries. More information is found at http://www.uky.edu/Libraries/branches.php . Those you will most likely use:

• William T. Young Library, Clifton Drive, (859) 257-0500
  www.uky.edu/Libraries/lib.php?lib_id=14 
• Margaret I. King Special Collections Library, main campus, (859) 257-8611
  http://ukcc.uky.edu/cgi-bin/dynamo?maps.391+campus+0039 

• Medical Center Library, Chandler Medical Center, (859) 323-5300
  www.uky.edu/Libraries/lib.php?lib_id=12. In the reference room, you can do computer searches and find numerous abstracts and indexes. There is also access to study carrels and rooms. Hours are: Mondays-Thursdays, 6 a.m.-midnight; Fridays: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturdays: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays, noon -midnight. Photocopies are 10 cents per page, using coins, $1.00 or old $5.00 bills, Dart Cards, VendaCards and UK or BCTC student IDs. The library no longer has a change machine. Two copiers are located in the basement, room M72U.

• Audiovisual Library, sixth floor, CON Bldg., (859) 323-6571
  www.uky.edu/Libraries/lib.php?lib_id=15. Located on the sixth floor of the College of Nursing Building, this library houses AV materials such as videos, CDs, DVDs, slides, audiocassettes and other non-print formats. It serves students, staff and faculty of the Medical Center colleges, the general University community and the public. A photocopier, viewing equipment in carrels and group study rooms are available. Vending machines are located in the elevator lobby/lounge. Hours are posted but are generally 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursdays and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays. Check the postings at the beginning of each semester for weekend and special hours.     

• Education Library, Dickey Hall, (859)  257-7977
  www.uky.edu/Libraries/lib.php?lib_id=6. Located on the second floor of Dickey Hall, this library opens at 8 a.m. Monday-Friday and is open evenings as well. Check its Web site for specific hours.

Lost and Found

You can turn in found items to the Office of Student Services, 309 College of Nursing Bldg. We hold items for one academic year. If you lose something, please inform Student Services personnel, use the College's student bulletin boards or advertise in The Kentucky Kernel, the campus newspaper. 

Mailboxes

Student mailboxes are in the graduate student lounge, room 501. Students are urged to check these weekly or during each visit to campus. 

 

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Other UK Departments and Resources
(Follow link above and information below.)

Request for graduate student support
http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/

Textbooks

Purchase textbooks for nursing courses from any of the campus area bookstores:
University of Kentucky Bookstore, 106 Student Center Annex, (859) 257-6304
http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=16403&langId=-1&catalogId=10001

Kennedy Book Store, 405 S. Limestone St., (859)-252-0331 or 1-800-892-5165
http://www.kennedys.com/(eydnsiq0oqsc4hbw04trarf4)/index.aspx

UK Writing Center and Writing Resources 

The Writing Center is a valuable resource, which assists students, faculty, and staff. Staffed by English graduate students and part-time consultants, the center is open during the day and evening for individual and group consultation on pre-writing, writing, and rewriting, as well as help with oral presentations. The center is located in the basement of W. T. Young Library, in the west wing near Core One. Call 257-1368 for more information. 

Cambridge Language Consultants

NASA's Grammar, Punctuation, and Capitalization: A Handbook for Technical Writers and Editors

The Science of Scientific Writing (from the American Scientist)

The Nuts and Bolts Guide to College Writing

Purdue's Online Writing Lab

APA Style Resources

The Writing Center at Rensselaer

Academics 

Academic and Scientific Honor and Integrity 

Graduate students in the College of Nursing are expected to demonstrate honor and integrity in all academic and scientific endeavors. You are expected to review the University's Student Rights and Responsibilities http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part1.html when you enter the program. An understanding of the University's expectations regarding honor and integrity in academics from the outset of your time as a student will reduce the likelihood of issues arising in the future.  In particular, review sections related to academic offenses of plagiarism and cheating in Student Rights and Responsibilities and information on the disposition of cases of academic offenses. The information below is from the University's Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Cheating

"Cheating is defined by its general usage. It includes‚ but is not limited to‚ the wrongfully giving‚ taking‚ or presenting any information or material by a student with the intent of aiding himself/herself or another on any academic work which is considered in any way in the determination of the final grade. The fact that a student could not have benefited from an action is not by itself proof that the action does not constitute cheating. Any question of definition shall be referred to the University Appeals Board."

Plagiarism

"All academic work‚ written or otherwise‚ submitted by students to their instructors or other academic supervisors‚ is expected to be the result of their own thought‚ research‚ or self-expression. In cases where students feel unsure about a question of plagiarism involving their work‚ they are obliged to consult their instructors on the matter before submission. 

"When students submit work purporting to be their own‚ but which in any way borrows ideas‚ organization‚ wording or anything else from another source without appropriate acknowledgment of the fact‚ the students are guilty of plagiarism.

"Plagiarism includes reproducing someone else’s work‚ whether it be published article‚ chapter of a book‚ a paper from a friend or some file‚ or whatever. Plagiarism also includes the practice of employing or allowing another person to alter or revise the work, which a student submits as his/her own‚ whoever that other person may be. Students may discuss assignments among themselves or with an instructor or tutor‚ but when the actual work is done‚ it must be done by the student‚ and the student alone. 

"When a student’s assignment involves research in outside sources or information‚ the student must carefully acknowledge exactly what‚ where and how he/she has employed them. If the words of someone else are used‚ the student must put quotation marks around the passage in question and add an appropriate indication of its origin. Making simple changes while leaving the organization‚ content and phraseology intact is plagiaristic. However‚ nothing in these Rules shall apply to those ideas, which are so generally and freely circulated as to be a part of the public domain."

In addition to reviewing the following information, please review the information posted on the academic ombud's Web site, www.uky.edu/Ombud/. 

With respect to research, scientific integrity is essential. All University policies and procedures related to scientific integrity and human subjects apply to students as well as faculty. Additional information on this subject is available at the Office of Research Integrity.

Academic Probation

College of Nursing graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 graduate grade point average (GPA). If the cumulative graduate GPA drops below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation will have 9 credit hours to raise the GPA to a 3.0 or higher. If the GPA is below 3.0 following these 9 credit hours, the student may be dismissed from the program. Further details about this policy, including procedures for readmission, are found in the UK Graduate School Bulletin. The same policies apply to D.N.P. students; exceptions are made within the College. 

Appeals of Academic Actions

Details about appeals procedures are located in the University's Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

Clinical Practica

• Sites for clinical practica in College graduate programs are based upon either letters or memoranda of agreements between agencies and the College.
• All experiences requiring clinical practice are arranged by faculty responsible for the course. You may recommend clinical sites, but please do not make arrangements with persons or agencies.
• These agreements reflect the philosophy and objectives of the graduate program, and are based on faculty assessment that students can meet program objectives in that agency.
• Because these agreements are legal documents, they often require several months to finalize.
• If you wish to recommend a clinical site contact your faculty advisor at least three months before your clinical placement is to begin.
• Do not contact the site or the potential preceptor.
• You may not begin your placement until the agreement has been signed. A grade of B or higher is required in all courses with a clinical component before progression to the next practicum or graduation.
• If there are any questions, please contact the course faculty before proceeding.

Students will not be placed in sites where there is a conflict of interest with regard to evaluating student performance. Such conflicts may include, but are not limited to, assignment to a relative or close family friend, assignment to a site where the student is currently employed, and assignment to a preceptor who has a business or financial relationship with the student or is a family member of the student.

If long distance phone calls become necessary in the context of course or program assignments, contact your instructor who will arrange for you to use an office phone. 

Commencement Eligibility

The College of Nursing graduate students' recognition ceremony and the University Commencement ceremony are held each May. To be eligible to participate, all candidates must have submitted a valid Application for Degree by published deadlines in the academic calendar for the semester during which they anticipate graduating. In addition, Ph.D. candidates must submit a Notification of Intent to Schedule a Final Doctoral Examination with the Graduate School by published deadlines in the academic calendar. Details and information about these events are sent to students during the spring semester. 

Course Registration

Advanced registration for enrolled students takes place in November for the following spring term and in April for upcoming summer and fall terms. When classes begin, check the accuracy of your registration with each of your class professors. Contact your faculty advisor or the College Office of Student Services for assistance in correcting an error. 

Students are responsible for accurate registration of coursework. To assure that you receive academic advising, meet with your faculty advisor in advance of registration. The College's Office of Student Services (room 309) will share registration instructions with you on a timely basis.

Report a change of name or address to the Office of Student Services, to the University Registrar, and to the Graduate School.

 

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Degree Application

To be eligible for a degree you must file an application within 30 days after the beginning of the semester (or 15 days in the summer session) in which you expect to complete your studies. Application cards are available in the College's Office of Student Services from the student affairs officer for graduate studies. 

Completed degree cards must be signed by the appropriate program director, who will forward them to the Graduate School (M.S.N. and Ph.D.) or Registrar (D.N.P.). The deadlines for filing for a degree are listed in the Graduate School Bulletin and in the Schedule of Classes.

Although degrees are awarded at the end of the fall and spring semesters and summer session, formal public ceremonies are held only at spring commencement. You are encouraged to attend commencement exercises even if you receive your degree after the preceding summer or fall.

Students are also encouraged to complete an End-of-Program Evaluation that is distributed near the end of the spring semester.

Faculty Advisors and Clinical Mentors

You will be assigned a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor and guide through the program. Please consult your advisor regularly to assist with any issues or problems you may encounter and to help with career planning as well as program planning and course registration.

M.S.N. and Post-M.S.N.

Your faculty advisor will explain the program, advise and assist in planning your course of study, and guide your research utilization activities including planning and implementing your final evidence-based practice project (NUR 605). You are expected to plan a program of study with your faculty advisor at the beginning of the program, or no later than the advance registration date for your second semester. The plan is filed in your Student Services record. If you wish to change the planned program, consult your advisor to determine that a change in the program is appropriate and feasible. M.S.N. students may elect to complete additional coursework beyond the minimum. This additional work can include study of a research or functional area (teaching or management), or another area of clinical specialization. Consult your advisor and obtain consent of the instructor(s) for course enrollment(s).

Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program director serves as the advisor for doctoral students during their first semester of study and assists them in identifying a major professor (chair) to serve as mentor and advisory committee chair. Once a major professor is identified, the professor and student work together to form a committee. Once a committee is determined in the College, approval is sought from the Graduate School (see Advisory Committee Request Form). 

D.N.P.

Faculty advisors are assigned to D.N.P. students upon admission to the program.  Students work with their faculty advisors and the program director to select their committee member and clinical mentor. The committee member and clinical mentor are selected early in the program of study.

• Clinical mentors will be chosen from people with top-level clinical or executive roles who are working in areas consistent with the interests of a potential student protégé. Mentors will be selected from among a variety of disciplines, thereby building the student's interdisciplinary experience.

• Clinical mentors guide the work of the student in the clinical experiences in an ongoing relationship with students throughout the program, contributing especially to the student's development as a leader. Students may have clinical experiences working with patients in a single setting, or their clinical experiences may be as executive practica, focusing on policy or strategic, systemwide or network issues.

• The faculty advisor, committee member, student, and clinical mentor will work together closely throughout the student's program. This will facilitate development of more meaningful growth in the student, and add the richness of the mentor's experience.

Grading System

The College's graduate faculty uses the standard University grading scale (A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79). Official grades as a graduate student for University credit are recorded in the Office of the Registrar as follows: 

A -high achievement; 4 grade points per credit
B -satisfactory achievement; 3 grade points per credit
C -minimum passing grade; 2 grade points per credit
E -failure; 0 grade points per credit
I - incomplete*
S -satisfactory progress**

* A grade of "I" (incomplete) may be assigned if coursework is incomplete and there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from course completion. An "I" is decided by the faculty and must be discussed with the course faculty member. It must be removed within one year in order to continue in the program.  An Incomplete Grade Assignment/Agreement Form must be completed and signed by you and the course instructor, noting requirements for completion of the coursework. An “I” grade in a prerequisite course must be converted prior to enrollment in courses that require the prerequisite. “I” grades automatically convert to an “E” grade (failing grade) after 12 months.

** A grade of “S” (satisfactory work in progress) may be recorded for coursework beyond the normal limits of a semester or summer term when course work is substantially continuous in its progress. When course work is completed, a final grade will be substituted for the “S.”  

Students must attain a minimum 3.0 GPA on all graduate work and on all graduate nursing coursework before an advanced degree may be awarded; “D” grades are not given to graduate students. Graduate level courses (400G-799) are computed in the graduate grade point average. Students may not progress to the next clinical course nor graduate with a grade lower than a “B” in any clinical course. 

Once a grade (other than an “I” or “S”) has been reported to the Registrar's Office, it may not be changed unless an error was made at the time the grade was given and recorded, and then only upon the written approval of the professor, the registrar, and the dean of the Graduate School. 

Students who have completed 12 or more semester hours of graduate work with a graduate grade point average of less than 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. If a cumulative 3.0 average is not attained during the following full-time semester (9 credit hours), students may be dismissed from the Graduate School and the graduate program in the College of Nursing.

Guidelines for scholarly work 

All graduate students in the College are required to produce a scholarly work to receive a graduate degree. M.S.N. students complete a research utilization project, Ph.D. students complete a dissertation,  and D.N.P. students complete a capstone project as part of their final clinical residency. The style and format for reporting these scholarly activities is specified in the fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (2001).  

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and forms

Institutional Review Board applications for all research and dissertations involving human subjects must be reviewed by the associate dean for research and scholarship (room 501E-2) after review and approval by your faculty advisor. All IRB applications must have the approval signature of the associate dean for research and scholarship before submission to the Office of Research Integrity. Depending upon the nature of the investigation, an application for exempt, expedited, or full review is submitted. The student and faculty advisor determine which application is appropriate for the proposed study. 

You may not collect data until official written approval is obtained from the Institutional Review Board. 

Students must identify and follow the procedures for study review and approval at the site(s) where data will be collected. Students inform the IRB when the study is complete. If the study is conducted for more than one year a yearly progress report must be filed with the IRB. Also, if changes are made in the protocol or consent form, or if problems arise in the conduct of the study, the student must report them to his/her faculty advisor and to the IRB.

In consultation with your faculty advisor, your research must be determined as:

• Free of risk to human or animal subjects, and thus exempt from full review by the IRB
• Minimal risk to human or animal subjects, and thus, review by the IRB can be expedited
• Risky for human or animal subjects, and thus, full review by the IRB is required

College of Nursing procedures to prepare for each type of review are as follows:

Exempt: Allow a minimum of two weeks for review and approval within the College, plus an additional four weeks for receipt of written approval from the IRB.

• Submit one copy of the IRB application to the associate dean for research and scholarship who will forward it for review and approval by the College of Nursing representative to the IRB. If problems are noted, you and your faculty advisor will be informed, and you will be expected to make the necessary changes by working with your advisor. The representative then forwards the application to the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• Once your application receives approval by the associate dean for research and scholarship, the student forwards two copies to the Office of Research Integrity at 311 Kinkead Hall and files one copy with the office of the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• You may not begin your study until you receive official, written approval from the IRB. When you receive final written approval from the IRB, file one copy of your approval letter with the associate dean for research and scholarships and provide a copy to the Office of Student Services for Graduate Studies for your student file.

Expedited: Allow a minimum of three weeks for review and approval within the College plus an additional four weeks for receipt of written approval from the IRB.

• Submit one copy of the IRB application, including a Signature Assurance Form and instrument(s), to the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• The associate dean for research and scholarship refers problems to your faculty advisor and you are expected to make the necessary changes then resubmit to the associate dean for re-review.
• Once the associate dean for research and the program director sign the Signature Assurance Form, submit two copies to the Office of Research Integrity (308 Kinkead Hall) and file one copy with the office of the associate dean for research and scholarship. The IRB office will assign a reviewer to your proposal from the Medical IRB. When you receive final written approval from the IRB, file one copy of your approval letter with the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• You may not begin your study until you receive official, written approval from the IRB.

Full: Allow a minimum of one month for review and approval within the College plus an additional four weeks for receipt of written approval from the IRB. 

• Submit one copy of the IRB application, including a Signature Assurance Form and instrument(s), to the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• When approved, the associate dean for research and scholarship signs the Signature Assurance Form. Make 20 copies of the application and submit them to the Office of Research Integrity (316 Kinkead Hall), and file one copy with the office of the associate dean for research and scholarship.
• Your faculty advisor should accompany you to the required meeting with the IRB. 
• You will receive written notification from the IRB about the status of your application. When you receive final written approval from the IRB, file one copy of your approval letter with the associate dean for research and scholarship. 
• You may not begin data collection until you receive official, written notice of approval from the IRB.

IRB Forms

Obtain IRB forms on the Office of Research Integrity's Web site, www.rgs.uky.edu/ori/ . Look for Human Research, Forms/Application, then click on Medical Institutional Review Board. The most recent version will be available in Microsoft Word format. 

Forms can be submitted online. This is helpful since almost all IRB applications go through at least one revision before final submission. 

When completed, you must submit all IRB applications to the associate dean for research and scholarship (501E-2) for internal review/approval and signature. When the internal review process is completed, you will be contacted to pick up the application. If substantive revisions are necessary, re-review by the associate dean will be required. You must then make the appropriate number of copies and forward these to the Office of Research Integrity for final approval. Data collection can begin only after receipt of an official letter of approval from the IRB.